What is the correct method for labeling and dating perishable items in the cooler?

• A. Label item name and date, use FIFO rotation, and discard items on or before the discard date.
• B. Label only the date and rotate by last used date, and discard after two weeks.
• C. Store without labeling and decide freshness by smell.
• D. Label item name, date, and use LIFO rotation.

Answer: (A)

Labeling and dating perishable items, along with using first-in, first-out rotation, is essential for food safety and keeping inventory fresh. When you label with the item name and the date received or opened, staff can quickly identify what it is and how long it has been in storage. This makes it easy to spot older stock and plan usage. Using FIFO means you use the oldest items first, which minimizes spoilage and helps keep everything within safe time frames. Discarding items on or before their discard date ensures nothing goes past its safe period. Relying on smell alone to judge freshness or storing without labels is unsafe and unreliable. Using last-in, first-out would tend to keep newer stock longer, increasing the risk of spoilage. So, labeling the item name and date, applying FIFO rotation, and discarding on or before the discard date is the best practice.